A road will remain closed in both directions for up to a week after a fire broke out in an abandoned house in Ashford.

Four fire engines, police and a height vehicle were called to Chart Road following the incident at Albert Villas at 3.30pm yesterday.

Kent Highways says the road between Barrow Hill and Templer Way will be closed for up to seven days as the building has been deemed unsafe.

The alternative route is via Maidstone Road, Templer Way and Chart Road.

Residents said they could see black smoke billowing up to 30 feet into the sky.

Nobody was injured and fire crews believe the blaze was started deliberately.

Firefighters left the scene at about 7.45pm and duty of care of the premises was left with Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

The buildings, which are close to Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital, have been deteriorating for many years, with windows smashed and brickwork crumbling.

In recent months there have been repeated reports of people entering the semi-detached houses - and even of catapults being fired at passing cars from them.

In 2017, an outline planning application was approved for two new dwellings to the side of existing houses alongside new access and car parking.

However this has since expired.

A demolition notice planned for today then appeared on the building in March submitted by developers Project Build One Ltd.